Sept. 25--DEKALB, Ill. -- Fresh off holding top-ranked Ohio State to its fewest points in the Urban Meyer era, Northern Illinois hopes to further disrupt a Boston College offense reeling from the loss of quarterback Darius Wade.
But the Huskies defense won't assume an easy time against either of two freshman backups Saturday in Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- including one named Flutie.
That's Troy Flutie, nephew of BC legend and 1984 Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie.
"I'm guessing they are going to run the ball a lot because of their quarterback going down, but you never know," NIU defensive end Ladell Fleming said. "We have to figure out what we are good at and go into the game with a plan like we did against Ohio State and execute."
Wade went down in the fourth quarter of a 14-0 loss to Florida State last week with a season-ending ankle injury. He was 21 of 42 for 232 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
The Huskies fell 20-13 at Ohio State, but their defense had a chance to shine in front of a national audience, especially cornerback Shawun Lurry. He had two interceptions and two pass breakups and received the Jim Thorpe player of the week MAC West defensive player of the week awards.
Coach Rod Carey named the entire defense player of the game against the Buckeyes.
"I was happy with the improvement that we showed (defensively), and we have to have the same type of improvement this week to go against a really good BC team," Carey said.
The Huskies also hope to pick up a rushing attack that's averaging 183 yards, 66th nationally.
They face a formidable Eagles run defense that leads the nation, allowing 37.3 yards per game. Last year it was second with a 94.5-yard average.
"We've got to get that run game going," Carey said. "That's not just from last week, that's from the (season)."
Jack McCarthy is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
